York Castle Museum and its collection

York Castle Museum
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The York Castle Museum is located on the site of York Castle, housed in prison buildings, built in the 18th century. The castle itself was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. In the York Castle Museum interactive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that bring the past to life, ranging from recreated Jacobean dining rooms, toys through the ages, a recreated Victorian Street, prison cells and the swinging Sixties.

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Children Industrial heritage Local

York Castle Museum
The Eye of York
YO1 9RY York

Visitor information York Castle Museum

Opening hours

Monday
11:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Admission

0 – 4Free
5 – 16£10.20
17 – 24£15.30
25+£17.00
Free ConcessionFree
Reduced Access£8.50
Students£15.30
York Resident ChildrenFree

Facilities

Museum shop
Coffee
Child-friendly

Location & Map

The Eye of York, York

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York Castle Museum Reviews

York Castle Museum has 3 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    York Castle Museum offers visitors an engaging journey through the social and cultural history of York and Yorkshire. Located in the heart of York, this museum is housed in former prison buildings, adding an atmospheric backdrop to its exhibits. The museum's main attraction is the recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, which allows visitors to step back in time and experience life in 19th-century York. The attention to detail in the street's shops, sounds, and even smells creates an immersive experience that many visitors find memorable.

    The museum covers a wide range of topics, from York's military history to changing fashions through the ages. Exhibits on prison history, including the original cells, provide insight into the building's past. The toy collection is often highlighted as a nostalgic favorite for many visitors.

    While the museum receives praise for its interactive elements and the depth of its collections, some visitors note that certain areas could benefit from updating or renovation. The layout can be confusing for some, and on busy days, the narrow Victorian street can become crowded.

    The museum offers a good balance of information and entertainment, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. However, those with mobility issues should be aware that the historic nature of the building means some areas may have limited accessibility.

    Overall, York Castle Museum provides a comprehensive look at York's history in an engaging and largely well-presented manner. Its central location and rich content make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in delving into the city's past.

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  • D
    David • Aug 1, 2023

    Great place to visit as usual but found alot of the place just to dark ,I know they've got to create the correct atmosphere but I found myself having to put my torch on my phone so I could see the uneven floors a little bit more light in-between exhibits would definitely improve the the experience, on plus side felt like I was being strangled in one of the cells where people were sentenced to hanging !! Weird or what

    Visited on Jul 30, 2023

  • Marc
    Marc • Nov 17, 2019

    We were pleasantly surprised by the York Castle Museum. It is a great museum, and we especially liked the recreated Victorian Street! The large WWI exhibit that was on display when we visted was also very well done. Great value for money, so if you are near York, definitely check out this museum!

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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